Giacomo Di Grassi - The Shield

The Shield

When used in conjunction with another weapon, the shield, of various shapes and sizes, each requiring their own specific uses, was held in the left hand and the weapon in the right hand. This usually necessitated that weapons of the short variety be used, since medium and long ones would be too heavy for the right hand alone to wield. The right foot was placed forward and the left foot behind, which although more straining a position than the other way around, kept the right hand in a better place for thrusting, and the left, unarmed side, farther away from the opponent. The shield was held outstretched towards the opponent's face to limit his vision and to parry his weapon closer to its pivot point where it is weakest in its movement.